Photo: Karim HaddadCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Egyptian Henbane Plant Care
Hyoscyamus muticus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring deeply lobed leaves with a velvety texture, this plant originates from the Mediterranean region. Plant collectors are drawn to Hyoscyamus muticus for its unique appearance and historical significance in traditional medicine.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Egyptian Henbane?
Water Egyptian Henbane every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Egyptian Henbane?
Egyptian Henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus) belongs to the Solanaceae family within the Hyoscyamus genus. Egyptian Henbane is native to desert areas of North Africa.
Egyptian Henbane displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Egyptian Henbane produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, white, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Egyptian Henbane?
Hyoscyamus muticus requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Egyptian Henbane Need?
Egyptian Henbane thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Egyptian Henbane Prefer?
Hyoscyamus muticus grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Egyptian Henbane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Egyptian Henbane?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Egyptian Henbane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Egyptian Henbane?
Feed Egyptian Henbane every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Egyptian Henbane?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Egyptian Henbane?
Egyptian Henbane can be propagated through seeds, division of rootball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white henbane plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Egyptian Henbane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Egyptian Henbane?
Egyptian Henbane is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Egyptian Henbane Need?
Egyptian Henbane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Egyptian Henbane is native to desert areas of North Africa. In cooler regions, grow Egyptian Henbane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Egyptian Henbane is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hyoscyamus genus — compare its care with other Hyoscyamus species on PlantoScan.
Hyoscyamus is part of the Solanaceae plant family — browse all Solanaceae genera and species.
Egyptian Henbane thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hyoscyamus muticus L., family Solanaceae (first published in Mant. Pl. 45. 1767 [15-31 Oct 1767]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Egyptian Henbane is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Karim Haddad, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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